While the terms equity and equality may sound similar, the application of one versus the other can lead to dramatically different outcomes for marginalized people.

Equality means each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities.

Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome. 

The terms equality and equity are often used interchangeably; however, they differ in important ways.

Equality is typically defined as treating everyone the same and giving everyone access to the same opportunities.

Meanwhile, equity refers to proportional representation (by race, class, gender, etc.)